Few people realize how richly diverse the tulip genus is and how many uncommon species are available for delightful rock garden plantings.
Species (botanical) tulips, small Asian wildflowers, are precursors of the larger tulips grown more commonly today. Originating in Asia Minor and spreading across Asia, Europe and Africa, species tulips are readily adaptable if extremes of cold and heat are avoided and good drainage is available.
Anna Pavord, in her book The Tulip (2001) writes,”[The wild species tulip’s] extraordinary diversity, its desire always to be trying on new clothes, is precisely what made it a source of wonder and delight to gardeners who over hundreds of years gradually nursed it into shapes and shades that even the tulips themselves had not thought of.”
Most species tulips are dwarf, less than six inches tall. They bloom at various times throughout the spring, many early, with various flower shapes (water-lily or turban), and come in a variety of bright colors: purple, red, yellow, white. The thumb-nail-sized bulbs should be planted in fall at a depth of three to four inches, and spaced three to four inches apart. Given room, they perennialize easily. They prefer full to partial sun.
There are a host of species tulips available both for northern and southern areas. T. Tarda, for example, will grow in zones 3-8; T. bakeri is suitable for zones 5-9.
Kaufmanniana (water-lily) tulips are also low-growing, wind-resistant, and ideal for rock gardens. With short stems, and petals bent slightly backward, they resemble the typical water-lily shape, hence the name.
Some varieties have mottled foliage; all have multi-colored interiors when fully opened. They bloom in early spring after the first species tulips. Blossoms are in the red, yellow, orange color range with various nuances and combinations.
The Kaufmannianas too may naturalize if left undisturbed. They should be planted in fall five to six inches deep and three to six inches apart in full to partial sun.
Rodent problems
Unfortunately, rodents find tulips quite attractive. They may be discouraged by surrounding the bulbs with gravel when planting or by enclosing the entire underground planting with wire mesh.
Another possibility is to plant the bulbs in pots, put the pots in the ground and top with wire mesh, and cover with soil.
Availability
While these tulip species may not be readily available at local garden centers, specialty garden catalogs feature them.
Sources
James, Jr., Theodore. Tulip. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., NY, 2003.
Pavord, Anna. The Tulip. Bloomsbury, NY, 2001.
